ALT A graphic with the POC Psychedelic Collective logo. The graphic has a screenshot of text that reads: It’s not just the cannabis industry that’s being targeted. Ifetayo Harvey, founder of People of Color Psychedelic Collective in New York, said that between 2017 and 2021 – before the organization’s account was shadow banned – it received high engagement from its 10,000 social media followers. “Now, our posts barely show to our followers,” she said. “It’s rare for any of our posts to get over 100 likes.” To get around shadow bans, the nonprofit group has been using code words or inserting characters such as asterisks or emojis instead of spelling out psychedelics. The group also is investing more in its website and communications strategy rather than spending money to get verified. “This affects our ability to do advocacy work, fundraise and further our mission,” Harvey said. “We’re divesting from these platforms and investing in properties we own like our website and email list.”

ALT DEA'S APPROACH ARE QUESTIONABLE AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE NO-KNOCK WARRANTS SURVEILLANCE WORKING WITH FBI AND CIA INFORMANTS MISINFORMATION